Academic Strategy and Operations Manager

In order to ensure your application is received by NAIT for thorough review and consideration, please apply directly through our Careers site at www.nait.ca/careers

Join our newly developed, centralized Academic Quality and Operational Excellence (AQOE) team at NAIT, and put your leadership talents to work as the Academic Strategy and Operations Manager.

Reporting to the Director of Academic Operations, the Academic Strategy and Operations Manager is a key leadership role, within our newly established AQOE portfolio, and accountable for enhancing the efficiency, compliance, and quality of NAIT’s academic services. The Academic Strategy and Operations Manager will work collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders and manage our team of embedded Academic Operations Specialists. These high-performing Academic Operations Specialists play a strategic and collaborative role in shaping the future of academic delivery, are central to enabling data-informed decision-making, and driving operational excellence across Schools.

As Academic Strategy and Operations Manager, you will provide strategic guidance and operational oversight for key academic support functions. Working closely with Directors, the AVP, and other senior leaders within AQOE, you will develop and implement strategies to enhance academic operational efficiency, drive innovation, and foster a culture of excellence. You will lead efforts in resource management, process improvement, and stakeholder collaboration to ensure aligned, efficient, and student-centered academic operations across the institute. Your leadership will promote continuous improvement, accountability, and service excellence. This role requires a strong understanding of human resources, educational practices, resourcing, workflows, and business operations to support team capabilities and academic delivery needs.

Key Responsibilities:

• Strategy and Project Implementation:

• • Collaborate with senior leadership to develop and execute strategic plans, initiatives, and projects that support the institution's mission and vision.
  • Lead and coordinate cross-functional projects, ensuring timely completion, and achievement of desired outcomes.
  • Develop project plans, monitor progress, and identify risks.
  • Monitor and analyze data to inform strategic decisions and measure operational effectiveness.

• Academic Operations Management:

• • Oversee day-to-day operations and manage administrative and/or technical staff, ensuring effective use of resources, facilities, and systems.
  • Develop, implement, and refine processes related to program-based resource planning, budget management, space utilization, and operational workflows, ensuring they align with NAIT’s strategic priorities.
  • Provide guidance and oversight across AQOE and service areas to ensure efficient and effective academic delivery
  • Mentor and develop team members to foster future leadership within the institute.

• Innovation and Process Improvement:

• • Conduct analysis, identify areas for improvement, and implement solutions across the institution.
  • Support a culture of innovation and agility across the institution.
• Risk Management and Compliance:
• • Identify, assess, and mitigate operational risks, and lead business continuity planning.
  • Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements, program accreditation, policies, and procedures
  • Represent AQOE on various institutional committees and/or initiatives.

Skills & Abilities:

• Drives Vision and Purpose – Promotes the organization’s vision and strategic plan, motivating others to take action.
• Balances Stakeholders – Anticipates and manages the needs of various stakeholders, ensuring accountability and meeting commitments.
• Drives Results – Consistently achieves results in fast-paced environments, handling multiple tasks and deadlines.
• Builds Effective Teams – Fosters collaboration, leveraging diverse skills to achieve common goals.
• Communicates Effectively – Developing and delivering multi-mode communications that convey a clear understanding of the unique needs of different audiences.
• High autonomy in decision-making, with the ability to develop strategies that meet current and future organizational needs.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and strategic thinking skills to align with long-term organizational goals.
• Cultivates innovation by navigating complex information and solving problems effectively
• Proven track record of driving innovation and process improvement across diverse initiatives.
• Demonstrates strong decision-making skills with sound knowledge of human resources, educational, and business practices.

• Related post-secondary undergraduate degree or equivalency.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in academic administration, operations management, strategy development, project implementation, or related roles, with at least 5 years leadership experience.
• Experience in post-secondary education would be an asset.
• Equivalencies (combination of education and experience) may be considered.

Applicants with education credentials earned outside of Canada should have their credentials evaluated by World Education Services or the International Qualifications Assessment Service (IQAS).

Remuneration: $102,224.98 - $135,432.18 annually, plus a comprehensive benefits package.

Please submit a resume and cover letter to be considered for this opportunity.

About NAIT

We are proud to have been named one of Alberta’s Top Employers for 14 consecutive years. Being part of a community that makes a difference in the lives of students, staff, industry clients and partners, NAIT’s culture reflects our shared values of respect, collaboration, celebration, creativity, and accountability.

People are what make NAIT great, and we prioritize the employee experience. We offer benefits and unique perks focusing on health and wellness, work-life balance, recognition, and professional and personal growth. In addition to excellent vacation time, we offer paid time off between Christmas and New Year's.

NAIT supports a flexible work environment, enabling staff to request approval for on-campus, off-site, or hybrid work arrangements based on the nature of the role. Please note that remote positions require employees to reside within Canada.

NAIT is committed to fostering an environment that supports equity and cultivates inclusion through our Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Strategy. We are a proud partner of the Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion and Pride at Work Canada. While we encourage all qualified applicants to apply, only those being considered will be contacted. If you require any accommodations, please connect with us at [email protected].